Passive with Modal Verbs: Present

This structure shifts the focus from the 'doer' to the 'receiver'. In an active sentence, the subject does the work. In a passive sentence, the subject receives the work. When we add a modal verb, we add a layer of meaning. We aren't just saying something happens. We are saying it 'must', 'can', or 'should' happen. It is like a grammar traffic light. It tells the reader if an action is required, allowed, or suggested. You use the base form of the modal. Then, you add the magic word be. Finally, you use the past participle. It sounds complex, but it is actually quite logical. Even native speakers mess this up when they are tired. You, however, are going to be a pro.

1. 1Creating this structure is like following a simple recipe. You only need four ingredients. Follow these steps to build your sentence:
2. 2Start with the object of the active sentence. This becomes your new subject.
3. 3Choose the correct modal verb for your meaning (e.g., must, can, should).
4. 4Add the auxiliary verb be. This never changes form here.
5. 5Add the past participle (V3) of your main verb.
6. 6Optional: Add by followed by the original doer if necessary.
7. 7Example: The documents (Subject) + must (Modal) + be + signed (V3).
8. 8Result: The documents must be signed.

You should use this pattern in several real-world scenarios. First, use it for formal instructions. In a job interview, you might hear, "The contract can be signed later." It sounds more polite than "You can sign the contract later." Second, use it for rules and regulations. "Hard hats must be worn at all times" is a classic example. Third, use it when the person doing the action is unknown. If a window is broken, you say, "It might be fixed tomorrow." You don't know who will fix it. Finally, use it to sound more objective in academic writing. It removes personal bias from your statements. It’s like wearing a lab coat for your words.

Don't use this if the 'doer' is the most important part. If you want to praise someone, stay active. "Chef Marco must cook this meal" sounds better than "This meal must be cooked by Chef Marco." Also, avoid it in very casual, fast-paced conversations. Saying "The pizza should be ordered by you" to a friend is weird. Just say "You should order the pizza." Using the passive too much can make you sound like a robot. Or a very boring lawyer. Use it for impact, not for every single sentence. Balance is the key to natural English.

The biggest mistake is forgetting the be. People often say, "The work must finished." This is wrong and sounds quite jarring. You must include be every single time. Another mistake is using the wrong verb form. Do not use the past simple; always use the past participle. ✗ It can be saw → ✓ It can be seen. Some people also try to conjugate be. ✗ It must is done → ✓ It must be done. Remember, the modal forces the verb after it to stay in the base form. Think of the modal as a bossy manager. It demands the base form be and nothing else.

Compare this to the simple present passive. The mail is delivered is a simple fact. The mail must be delivered adds an obligation. It’s the difference between "I eat" and "I must eat." Also, compare it to the past modal passive. It should be done (now/future) vs. It should have been done (past). The present version is much simpler. You don't need have or been. You just need be. It’s the difference between looking forward and looking backward. Stay focused on the present and future possibilities for this specific rule.